TOKARIAU MURDER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18017, 4 November 1920, Page 5

TOKARIAU MURDER

ANDERSON BEFORE THE COURT. (Per Press Association.) TAUMARUNUI, Nov. 3. W. Anderson was brought before Mr. Burton, S.M., charged with the murder of Frank Telfer and attempted murder of Jas. Loft at Tokarima. Mr. Gillies, Crown Prosecutor, was present. The accused was defended by Mr. George Findlay, of Te Kuiti. Constable Kelly, of the Auckland Police, a photographer, produced photos of the scene of the murder. Bland Owen, engineer, produced a plan of the house and surroundings, giving the measurements incidental to the shooting. James Loft gave evidence at the inquest. There are twenty-five witnesses to examine.

James Loft gave evidence that when the second shot was fired outside he recognised the accused in the dark by the illumination of the rille shot. When the accused first raised the rifle at the window he was four feet' away. Therefore it was impossible for the deceased Telfer to grasp the rifle. The bullet which killed Telfer was a soft-nosed .303. There was no ill-feeling between witness and the accused. Witness had never doped accused. There was so grievance between them about whisky. Witness never frightened the accused when he was riding over a bridge by night. Accused went to the maid’s room one night, but was turned down. Later he said he was in love with her, and witness said he had some complaint to make, but nothing more was said. Accused several times threatened to do the Harland brothers in, but said he was afraid of the rope. The grievance with Harland was that he alleged they doped him in the arm frum a two-pronged instrument. Herbert Loft corroborated his brother’s evidence. He also said he was not sure if Telfer grasped the rifle, but he did not think so. Dr. Cheeseman, of Ohura, deposed that the bullet passed through Teller’s right lung and liver. The body was blackened at the point of the entrance of the bullet.. Margaret Loft, wife of James Loft, corroborated her husband's evidence. Winnie Heffernan, Loft’s domestic servant, gave evidence that when Anderson came he said “all the police in Taumarunui are after me, but I will get plenty of them before they get me.” He was given food, tobacco, and an overcoat. Before the shooting, he said “Two of you have to pass out to-night, but now will do.” Jim Loft said "Don’t be silly.” Telfer, who was sitting on the couch, walked over beside the window and said “The rifle is filled up with clay, Bill.” Anderson said “That is all right.” Teller said “Have you got the pills for it?” Anderson said "I have everything.” Anderson then said “Clear the room.” Witness then stepped into the men’s room and did not see the rifle. Jim Loft ran into her room, and that was all she saw of him. She saw Telfer put out one hand, but could not say what he did. She then saw Telfer fall. The last she saw of Morris he was going into the passage. James Loft hurried into the scullery. Witness heard a shot fired, but did not see the rifle go off. She heard another fired outside al few minutes later. About two months ago accused walked into witness’ bedroom at half-past four in the morning. He tried to awake her; she said “Who's there?” and he replied “Your next door neighbour.” She told him to get out. After a few moments’ hesitation he went out. Witness complained to Mrs. Loft.

Lionel Morris, engineer at Frankton, gave corroborative evidence of the snooting. He was near the gun when it was fired, but did not see the discharge. \\ as not sure whether Teller or .lames Loft. was killed till a quarter of an hour after. He thought he saw someone fall. Witness rushed to the telephone in t'he passage. He thought ho had been shot at himself in mistake for a policeman. * Alfred George Loft gave evidence regarding eleven bottles of whisky which, on October 6th, Anderson brought to the farm, saying he stole it from Andy Sayer’s at Ohura. Witness got 'him to share the cost with him aud pay for the whisky. \\ itness, accused and throe others cut seven bottles out in two days. Witness deducted accused's share of the cost from his wages, and paid him £5B. The case was adjourned till 10 o’clock on Thursday.